Madrid is one of the most diverse bilingual education markets in Europe. The Comunidad de Madrid runs a government-funded English-Spanish bilingual programme in over 500 state schools, and the private sector layers genuine international and bilingual options on top. For families relocating to Madrid in 2026, choosing between a bilingual concertado, a private bilingual school and an English-medium international school is the most important decision after housing.
The three bilingual routes in Madrid
- Public bilingual schools (CAM Programa Bilingüe): Free, taught approximately 30% in English, leading to the Spanish Bachillerato with a bilingual mention.
- Concertado bilingual: Semi-private, low fees (EUR 100 to EUR 500 per month), strong English exposure, often Catholic-affiliated.
- Private bilingual and international schools: Full fees, 50% to 100% English instruction, leading to the Spanish Bachillerato, IB Diploma, A Levels or American Diploma.
Why Madrid for bilingual education
The Madrid Bilingual Programme has been running since 2004 and is one of the most studied in Europe. Children typically reach a B2 Common European Framework level in English by the end of primary school, and many continue with strong English performance through Bachillerato. The system is mature enough that teacher training, native English coordinators and the inspection regime are stable, which matters for families who will only experience the system for a few years.
Top bilingual and international schools in Madrid
The American School of Madrid
An English-medium American-system school in Pozuelo de Alarcón, offering pre-K through Grade 12 with AP and the option of the IB Diploma. Strong record for US and European university placement. Profile on The American School of Madrid.
Hastings School
A British curriculum school with three campuses across Madrid offering EYFS through A Levels. Combines English-medium instruction with daily Spanish lessons from age 3. See Hastings School.
SEK International School El Castillo
An IB World School in Villafranca del Castillo offering PYP, MYP and Diploma with bilingual Spanish-English delivery. Strong sports and STEAM facilities. Profile on SEK International School El Castillo.
Brains International School La Moraleja
A bilingual Spanish-English school in La Moraleja with the Bachillerato and IB Diploma options, founded over 60 years ago. Profile on Brains International School La Moraleja.
2026 fees in Madrid
Tuition fees in Madrid sit below Barcelona for equivalent quality. As a 2026 reference:
- Public bilingual programme: Free; parents typically contribute EUR 150 to EUR 350 per year for extras.
- Concertado bilingual: EUR 1,500 to EUR 5,500 per year (mostly fees for extras, lunches and activities — the academic part is state-subsidised).
- Private bilingual schools: EUR 7,000 to EUR 13,000 per year.
- Private international schools (English-medium): EUR 13,000 to EUR 21,500 per year.
Most private schools charge a one-off enrolment fee of EUR 2,000 to EUR 6,000 in year one, plus uniforms, bus and lunch fees totalling around EUR 2,500 to EUR 4,500 per year.
Where to live for bilingual schooling
The school cluster matters more in Madrid than in many capitals because traffic moves slowly outside the M-30 ring. Northwest (Pozuelo, Aravaca, Las Rozas, Majadahonda) and northeast (La Moraleja, El Encinar de los Reyes) are home to the most established private bilingual and international schools. Inside the city, ChamartÃn, Chamberà and Salamanca offer access to many concertado bilinguals and a handful of private options.
Practical admissions tips for 2026
- Apply by January 2026 for September 2026 starts in the strongest private schools; the Comunidad de Madrid's central admissions for public schools runs March to April.
- For concertado schools, the Comunidad de Madrid admissions points system applies — proximity, sibling at the school and income can affect the score.
- Translate the last two years of school reports to Spanish via a sworn translator (traductor jurado) and start the "convalidación" of foreign qualifications early.
- For ages 12 and above moving from a non-Spanish system, sit a Spanish-language placement test so the school can plan a phased linguistic support plan.
- NIE and empadronamiento are not required to apply but are essential to enrol.
For a side-by-side comparison, browse the ranking of the best international schools in Madrid on ISA and request fee schedules directly through the platform.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Madrid public bilingual programme good enough for expats?
Yes, for families staying long-term and committed to Spanish integration. Public bilingual schools have free tuition, strong English provision through B2 by end of primary, and a clear pathway to the Spanish Bachillerato.
Do bilingual schools in Madrid teach the IB Diploma?
Private bilingual schools commonly offer both the Spanish Bachillerato and the IB Diploma as parallel tracks in upper secondary. Public bilingual schools deliver the Bachillerato only.
How early should we apply for September 2026?
Private bilingual and international schools: apply between November 2025 and February 2026. Public bilingual and concertado schools: the Madrid central admissions opens in March 2026.